The best iPad screen protectors of 2024 | ZDNET

Nov 05, 2024

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Price

iPads and iPad accessories are available at a wide range of price points, so consider your budget and what features you can get in each price range.

Use case

Do you need an iPad or iPad accessory that you'll be using for everyday work and personal tasks, or do you need something that can withstand more extreme conditions?

Features

Consider what feature you get with your iPad or iPad accessory, and weigh that against the price.

Your iPad is an investment, and you should protect it. A screen protector is the best way to keep your iPad free from scratches, chips, and the dreaded spiderweb shatter. Our experts tested an extensive list of iPad screen protectors to help you choose the best for your needs. These will give you peace of mind while looking natural on your iPad, and if you're thinking of gifting someone an iPad this year, don't forget to add a layer of protection with one of these screen protectors.

Also: The best iPads for college students heading back to school

It's not all invisible glass here. Some iPad screen protectors offer extra features, like blue light filtering and privacy screening in addition to guarding against fingerprints, dust, dirt, drops, cracks, and scratches. Here's what we found.

Also: Everything you need to setup a new iPad

We extensively researched the best iPad screen protectors on the market and used our hands-on testing with several iPad models as a guide to help us select the best screen protection offerings based on factors like durability, ease of installation, cost, and added features. Right now, our top pick for the best iPad screen protector is the Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector thanks to its easy application, anti-microbial coating, ClearPrint anti-smudge technology, tempered glass construction, and limited lifetime warranty.

More: The best iPads you can buy: Expert tested

The Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector provides incredible protection for your iPad against everyday hazards. The smooth screen is made of tempered glass that features the ultimate trio: Scratch resistance, smudge resistance, and oil resistance for incredible clarity. The tempered glass screen also has reinforced edges for extra impact protection and an anti-microbial coating to fend off germs and bacteria.

It fits onto your screen tightly with an EZ Apply Tray to simplify application, and if you're that worried about application, you can even have it applied at retailers such as Best Buy for a small fee. Despite a higher price tag than some other options on this list, the Zagg InvisibleShield is our top pick for its limited lifetime warranty, which protects your product purchase against wear and damage.

Customers at Best Buy laud the Zagg protector for its value, quality, and ease of use, and this screen protector has a near-perfect overall review score of 4.8 out of 5, with many customers highlighting the limited lifetime warranty as an excellent safeguard. One reviewer said the Zagg screen protector ensured a crack-free screen after her daughter's iPad fell off the roof of a car.

Another reviewer offered a succinct analysis on their Zagg protector: "Zagg screen protectors are the best. I won't even buy any other brand anymore."

Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector features: Impact and scratch protection | Anti-microbial coating | ClearPrint smudge-free technology | Reinforced edges | EZ application | Limited lifetime warranty

The Esr Screen Protector is easy to install bubble-free thanks to the handy application guide included in the kit. This two-pack option has a glossy screen finish that is scratch-resistant for fighting everyday hazards like scrapes, scratches, and bumps.

Like other options on this list, it's made of tempered glass yet has only a 0.3mm thickness to maintain a slim and sleek appearance. With a 9H hardness rating, you won't have to worry about your screen's safety. The ESR protector also features an oleophobic coating to fend off fingerprint buildup and allow for easy cleaning. And with HD clarity, you won't have to worry about your iPad's display quality.

Customer's on Esr's website liked the protection, value, and easy installation of the screen protector, which comes with two screens, two alignment guides, and two cleaning kits. However, some customers noted that depending on your application, the front microphone can become covered by the screen protector.

Esr Screen Protector features: Easy application with alignment guide | Scratch-resistant |Face ID compatible | Bubble-free installation | 2-Pack | HD Clarity | Oleophobic coating

The Spigen Tempered Glas.tR EZ Fit iPad screen protector features 9H hardness to combat scratches, bumps, and cracks, protecting your iPad with extra durability and security. With an oleophobic coating, you won't have to worry about smudges or fingerprints on your screen either. The tempered glass screen protector is seamelssly compatable with Spigen's iPad case products, and offers some of the easiest application technology we've seen.

Simply use the innovative auto-aligning tray to eliminate wasted time or difficulty trying to line up your screen protector with your screen (which, in my opinion, is the hardest part). Just place the tray over the screen, press the center and watch the glass easily adhere in place. Simple as that. The Glas.tR EZ Fit protector is a pricier option, but the easy installation may be worth it if you think it likely that you will struggle applying protection to your iPad.

Customer's on Amazon loved the breezy application process, secure fit, and top-notch performance of the Spigen screen protector. Some users said they still struggled to apply the protector and saw visible bubbles under the screen, but most enjoyed a flawless finish.

Spigen Tempered Glas.tR EZ Fit screen protector features: Auto-alignment tray | Oleophobic coating | 9H hardness | Scratch-resistant | Seamless compatibility with Spigen cases

If you use an Apple Pencil frequently but don't want to lose the nostalgic feeling of notebook paper, you will love Paperlike for its simplicity and compatibility. The Paperlike screen protector transforms your screen to feel like a piece of paper and mimics a more realistic writing, drawing, and sketching experience. It's made of tempered glass with a smooth, scratch-resistant surface and reinforced edges for better longevity. And it's also smudge-resistant to help keep your display clean and improve visibility.

Paperlike customers loved the paper feel of this screen protector, and noted a pretty easy application process. Some users did say it wore their Apple Pencil down faster, but most are satisfied with the upgraded drawing, writing, and creative experience, with overall reviews coming in at a 4.78 out of 5.

Paperlike iPad Screen Protector features: Scratch-resistant | Reinforced edges | Smudge-resistant | Paper-like feel | Micro-bead technology

The Sahara iPad ZeroDamage UltraStrong+ screen protector offers maximum HD protection for your iPad screen, protecting against damage, scratches, smudges, and cracks without sacrificing touch-screen sensitivity. You'll also be assured that whatever you're watching, working on, browsing stays unseen by passerbys thanks to its privacy screen. The privacy screen blocks the view of any person trying to view your screen, whether to the left or right of you, within a 38-degree angle.

Hydrophobic and oleophobic coating ensure your screen is devoid of sweat, fingerprints, oil residue and buildup. And an advanced anti-scratch surface provides extra protection from minor drops, accidental bumps, and daily wear-and-tear.

Best Buy customers liked the overall value, quality, ease of use of the Sahara privacy screen, though some customers noted that it greatly darkens the screen.

Sahara iPad ZeroDamage UltraStrong+ Tempered Glass Screen Protector features: Scratch-resistant | Tempered glass | Anti-spy, privacy screen protector | Resists fingerprints and smudges | | Hydrophobic and Oleophobic coating | Alignment stickers and micro-dust installation kit included | Limited lifetime warranty

The Jetech iPad screen protector incorporates 0.33mm tempered glass with 9H hardness to better protect your iPad. It does not interfere with FaceID, and it's compatible with the Apple Pencil. There is a dust-free and fingerprint-free design to ensure you won't need to worry about constantly wiping away smudges.

This screen protector comes in a two-pack and ensures an anti-scratch yet highly responsive screen display, so you don't have to compromise on your viewing experience.

Amazon customer's liked the easy installation of the screen protector and the overall value, durability and quality of the product. Many highlighted a great value for the price, though some expressed a little trouble with air bubbles under the screen.

Jetech iPad Screen Protector features: Tempered glass | Anti-scratch | HD clarity | Fingerprint-proof | Installation kit included | Highly responsive display

Our top pick for the best iPad screen protector is the ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector thanks to its easy application, anti-microbial coating, ClearPrint anti-smudge technology, tempered glass construction, and limited lifetime warranty. Here's how it compares to our other top picks.

*Lowest, non-discounted price at time of writing. Please note that actual retail price may vary depending on seller and available deals or promotions.

Our expert recommendations can help you find the right iPad screen protector for your needs. Ultimately, the best iPad screen protector is one that works for your lifestyle and regular use seamlessly.

While evaluating each iPad screen protector, we consider several factors that can help you in your search.

ZDNET conducted expert research using our hands-own knowledge with various iPad models and prior experience with screen protectors for other devices. We spent time considering individual needs and wants for screen protectors, and prioritizing elements like cost, material, thick or thinness, durability, extra features, and more. We look for the immediate value these protectors may add to your device and your life. That is, can you "add-in" this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that's too good to be true?

If we think another product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for.

Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, and following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals. We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that's why this list, as well as our other advice, is tailored to your needs, wants, and your budget and why our picks are expert-tested or expert-vetted.

Yes. Using a screen protector is a generally low-cost way to add extra protection to the most vulnerable part of your iPad. Think of screen protectors like seatbelts. They aren't going to necessarily prevent an accident or drop from happening -- but when you have one on, you're chances of less damage can be significant.

Plus, paying for a screen protector upfront is a lot cheaper than having to possibly replace a screen or even an entire iPad later.

We evaluated our best iPad screen protectors by considering the available market options for the iPad 10th Gen (2022), which has a 10.9 inch screen. Regardless of model, an iPad screen is still a screen, and there's little to no variance in the type of protection needed from model to model. Additionally, every pick on this list is available in different screen sizes for each respective iPad model.

To be sure you're purchasing the correct size screen protector, double-check your iPad model and screen size, and be sure to match it while you shop for your item and ultimately make a purchase.

Apple announced the 6th-generation iPad Air and the 7th-generation iPad Pro models on May 7.

Also: How to order the new iPad Air, iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro

The new iPad Air comes in two sizes for the first time (11 inches and 13 inches) and features the M2 chip. In addition, the iPad Air now starts at 128GB instead of the mere 64GB that Apple previous included in the base model. The iPad Pro is also available in an 11-inch or 12-inch display.

Yes, iPad screen protectors are built to work with your Apple Pencil for easier use. And If you're looking for a specific screen style or feel -- such as a paper-like feel -- be sure to factor that into your search.

In short, most Redditors and reviewers agree that screen protectors, such as the Paperlike 2.1, do feel similar to that of a sheet of notebook paper. Of course, these screen protectors won't turn your iPad into a literal notebook, but they can help replicate the texture and tactile experience of one.

The answer to this is absolutely yes. Adults experience accidental drops and bumps, and you should certainly anticipate children to do so even more. Adding a screen protector to your child's device is an easy upgrade that adds an extra layer of security that pays for itself if you do experience a crack, break, or drop.

iPad screen protectors can vary in cost depending on the model and features you choose. Most iPad screen protectors range in cost from $10 to upwards of $70 based on features and durability.

Although we've rounded up some of the best iPad screen protectors on the market, there's still plenty others to consider. Here's a few alternatives we also recommend.

Zagg's Glass Elite VisionGuard screen protector combines protection with blue light filtering technology and features an anti-microbial coating. Plus, Zagg's limited lifetime warranty applies, too.

Best Buy's Insignia brand offers a more affordable iPad screen protector, featuring twice-reinforced glass with a 9H hardness rating to protect your screen from scratches and cracks. Best Buy will even install it for a small fee, if you'd like.

The amFilm Glass Screen Protector comes in a two-pack, is rated 9H for hardness, is waterproof, and costs just $10.